BY SARAH BARONOWSKI AND MADELAINE MCNEILL
A high-visibility police operation was launched today as Newcastle prepares for this week’s inaugural Supercars event.
Operation Boote will see officers from Newcastle Local Area Command and across the Northern Region joined by specialist officers to ensure the safety of all those in town for the event.
Officers will be out in force, targeting speeding, drink-driving, mobile phone and seat-belt offences as well as 'hoon behaviour.'
Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchells says police will be on the lookout for any misdemeanours.
"We need this event to be safe and secure and we will have ample police out there to ensure everyone's safety is paramount."
“If you have the opportunity, take public transport and come to the event. Do not expect to be able to drive your car close to this event and find a park, it’s just not going to happen," said Mr. Mitchells.
Officers will be out in force, targeting speeding, drink-driving, mobile phone and seat-belt offences as well as 'hoon behaviour.'
Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchells says police will be on the lookout for any misdemeanours.
"We need this event to be safe and secure and we will have ample police out there to ensure everyone's safety is paramount."
Traffic congestion is another major concern, with more than 150,000 spectators expected to be in attendance.
“If you have the opportunity, take public transport and come to the event. Do not expect to be able to drive your car close to this event and find a park, it’s just not going to happen," said Mr. Mitchells.
V8 Supercars Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard says Supercars is great family entertainment and is asking for people to behave appropriately and be respectful of each other.
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| Right: Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchells, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Supercars Chief Operating Officier Shane Howard |
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes believes it is a fantastic time for Newcastle to be showcasing the region to an international audience but says safety is paramount.
“We are encouraging people to play by the rules and make sure that they are following the guidelines set out by the police, Newcastle City Council, and Supercars.”
Assistant Commissioner Mitchell warns anyone who fails to follow the rules will be dealt with accordingly, which could mean paying a high fine or being taken into custody.
“The bottom line is you will be banned from the event,” he said. “We don’t want to see that occurring, so the message is very clear: we want everyone to come to this operation, enjoy the supercars event, and I think over this weekend it’ll be a terrific advertisement for Newcastle as a whole.”
